The High Kings at Cork Opera House

Irelands Folk Band of the year The High Kings comprising Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden. Coming from accomplished musical pedigrees, The High Kings grew up in households soaked in the Irish musical tradition and each member of the band witnessed first-hand the power of well-crafted Irish music on an audience. Since The High Kings started, they have sold out hundreds of shows in Ireland and the US, The Best Folk Band for three years running, made numerous TV appearances, performed for at the invitation of the previous Irish President Mary McAleese and President Obama. They have achieved platinum status with their first two albums  The High Kings & Memory Lane.

Together, The High Kings showcase their incredible versatility and skills as multi-instrumentalists, playing 13 instruments between them bringing a rousing acoustic flavour to brand new songs as well as some old favourites. The High Kings are continuing to live up to their reputation as a phenomenal live band, serving up laughter, good times and even the odd sing along.

Martin Furey, the musical tradition in the Furey family goes back two hundred years and multi-instrumentalist and singer. He is the son of the renowned Irish piper and singer, Finbar Furey. Martin is proudly carrying on the musical legacy. Martin has played all over America and Europe as a solo artist and also as a duo called Bohinta.

Finbarr Clancy is the son of Bobby Clancy, who first made his name as half of a duo with his sister Peg. Later Bobby joined his brothers Liam, Paddy and Tom in The Clancy Brothers after Tommy Makem had split from the group. Finbarr, who is blessed with the rare Clancy charm, has played all the world with The Clancy Brothers as a solo artist.

Darren Holden, from County Kilkenny, began his career as a singer/songwriter and has written and performed with some of the worlds top songwriters. Holden became a featured vocalist and toured the world with Riverdance for several years before landing the lead role of The Piano Man in the Broadway production of the Billy Joel musical Movin Out.

Brian Dunphy, from Dublin is the son of Sean Dunphy, who was a major star of the showband era in Ireland in the 1960s. Following in his fathers footsteps, Brian has sung all over the world as a featured soloist with Riverdance. He was also one of the Three Irish Tenors.